Hand, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Shared Spaces

Transmission potential of COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I am a university student, and since the pandemic, I have become very anxious about the possibility of getting infected. I always wear a mask at school, but some international students do not wear masks. For example, today at lun...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you were in an open space and had approximately 3 minutes of contact with an international student. However, since you were wearing a mask the entire time, the risk of infection should be very low. You can further enhance your safet...

Concerns About HIV Infection from Skin Contact in Public Hot Springs

Wound infection and HIV issues? Hello doctor, today in the steam room of a public hot spring, I accidentally had my butt touched by a stranger's hand. I discovered a pimple on my buttocks at home (it has a whitehead but I picked it and there was no bleeding, just redness). I...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, typically, a large area of mucous membrane contact is required for HIV infection. Based on your description, the acne area should not pose a risk for infection. Thank you for your question.

Understanding HIV Exposure Risks: Skin Contact and Mucosal Transmission

HIV exposure 1. If my hand came into contact with an unknown liquid on the back of my hand, and if that liquid contained HIV-infected bodily fluids, would I be at risk of infection if I have a small unnoticed cut on my skin? 2. If my underwear came into contact with HIV, would w...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there have been no reported cases of HIV infection resulting from contact between fluids and clothing, so it is unlikely that infection would occur. Thank you for your question.

Understanding Muscle Pain Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice

Muscles near the axilla (armpit) Hello Doctor, today I felt a sudden soreness in the muscles under my right armpit or near my chest. When I poke it, it feels like there's something in the muscle or tissue, and it hurts a bit when I press on the bone area. I'm not sure i...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most likely issue is a strain. The pain from a strain typically worsens with elevated use of the affected hand. As for the pneumothorax you mentioned, it usually presents with asthma-like symptoms and more severe breathing difficulties. Cance...

Understanding Sudden Breast Pain: Strain or Sprain?

Is it a strain or a sprain? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about occasional sharp pain under my breast, near the side. A few days ago, it was on the left side, and now it has switched to the right side. I also feel some discomfort near my armpit when I deliberately raise my ar...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed most likely a strain. The symptoms of a strain are typically localized to one side and can worsen with changes in hand position. Generally, for a strain, it is recommended to rest and allow the affected area to heal. If the pain pers...

Understanding HPV Transmission Risks and Safe Practices in Relationships

I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation. Please provide Hello doctor, my girlfriend had a small growth on her genital area earlier this year. I accompanied her to see a gynecologist, and after a biopsy, it was identified as condyloma. She told ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The most common cause of cauliflower-like lesions is a sexually transmitted infection; however, it can also be transmitted through casual contact or contact with contaminated clothing, making it difficult to directly identify the source of infection. 2. If your phys...

Medication Guidance for Dental Surgery in IgA Nephropathy Patients

Should I consult about stopping medication before a dental clinic minor surgery? Hello Doctor, I have IgA nephropathy, with an eGFR of approximately 90 and a UPCR of about 0.3. Recently, I have a cyst on my gums, and I need to undergo an apicoectomy (local anesthesia, approximate...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is actually recommended to consult the dentist who will be handling your case! In theory, the medications that need to be stopped before surgery are anticoagulants. Fish oil may have some mild anticoagulant effects, but they are not strong. If you are really concerned, ...

Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Acne or Skin Contact?

Can sexually transmitted infections (STIs) be transmitted? Hello, doctor. I previously had warts, but after they were treated with electrosurgery, they did not recur. However, I accidentally touched my chin acne while showering. Can the virus be transmitted through the acne wound...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if there has been no recurrence of the disease previously, touching the pimple would not be contagious. Thank you for your question.

Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Acne or Skin Contact?

Can sexually transmitted infections (STIs) be transmitted? Hello doctor, I previously had genital warts, which were treated with electrocautery and have not recurred since. However, I accidentally touched my chin acne while showering. Can the virus be transmitted through the acne...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if the cauliflower (genital warts) has been treated with electrosurgery and there are no signs of recurrence, it should not be transmitted through the wound. Thank you for your question.

Assessing Exposure Risks: Should I Worry After Brief Encounters?

Does this count as contact with a person at risk? Hello, doctor. Ever since the pandemic started, I've been feeling very anxious. I've tried to relax as my husband suggested, but today, after taking my child to a temple, we were on the MRT heading home when two girls su...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently, international travelers are required to adhere to quarantine protocols. If masks are worn properly, the risk of infection is actually very low. It is recommended to enhance hand hygiene while going out, which should alleviate excessive concerns. Daily routines o...

Understanding Abdominal Pain After a Bicycle Accident: When to Seek Help

Abdominal impact? About three days ago, I accidentally collided with the front of another bicycle while riding. Although my speed was not fast, my abdomen hit the handlebars, causing some pain initially. Now, there is pain in a small area about 3-4 finger widths above my navel, w...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the organ you are referring to is the stomach. The stomach is usually not easily injured. It is advisable to monitor the bruised area to see if it continues to expand or if there is any worsening pain. If there are no such symptoms, it should be a simple soft tissue injury...

Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?

Infectious potential Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. A while ago, an old friend of mine called me. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May. He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eve...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured. 2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing th...

Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare

Issues in Infectious Disease Prevention Hello Dr. Hong, today and tomorrow I have a day off and I'm accompanying my boyfriend to have dinner and go shopping with his mother for the first time. I graduated last year and am currently working in RCC at a hospital in Linkou, nor...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding tuberculosis, it is primarily the open form of pulmonary tuberculosis that can cause airborne transmission in closed spaces. During caregiving, as long as proper N95 masks are worn and basic protective measures are taken, there should be no concern about contract...

Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Healthcare Settings

Questions about HIV infection? I would like to ask the doctor if the risk of HIV transmission through contact requires exposure to a large amount of fresh blood. Since I work in a hospital and encounter patients undergoing blood draws and those with body fluids, I would like to k...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of infection is generally higher with blood transfusions. For typical wounds or general skin contact, the risk of infection is very low. The daily life situations you described do not pose a risk for HIV infection. The HIV virus is primarily found in semen and blo...

Food Contamination and HIV Risk: What You Need to Know

Foodborne transmission 1. Today, while taking my medication, I noticed something that looked like a clump of gray dust or lint on my hand. I'm not sure if I accidentally swallowed it along with the medication. If I did swallow something dirty like that, is there a risk of co...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The cotton fibers outside do not adhere to the HIV virus, so there is no risk of infection from them. 2. Dietary habits do not transmit HIV. 3. Drinking cups do not pose a risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.

Understanding the Risks of HIV Transmission Through Food Contamination

Continuing foodborne pathogens? I’m sorry to ask again, doctor, but does that mean I generally don’t have to worry about contracting HIV from anything I eat? Today, I encountered an unknown substance that felt like a clump of black, cotton-like material or dust, and I have no ide...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV cannot be transmitted through food, and the virus does not adhere to dust. Therefore, the situation you described does not pose a risk for HIV transmission. Thank you for your question.

Concerns About Using Public Restrooms in Taiwan: Health Risks Explained

Please ask me your two questions? Hello, I am a student of mixed Taiwanese and Japanese heritage. Since returning to Taiwan before the Lunar New Year, I have been staying at my father's house. I would like to ask the doctor about public restrooms in Taiwan, particularly in f...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in Taiwan, drug use is illegal, so it is unlikely that many people would use drugs in convenience store restrooms. The primary concern with drug use is toxicity rather than infection. As for toilet cleanliness, I believe that as long as proper cleaning is maintained, the r...

Can HIV Survive in Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes?

Vacutainer After blood is drawn, can the HIV virus survive in the vacuum blood collection tube? Is there a risk of the cap loosening during the handling of the collection tube, causing the blood inside to spray into the eyes and lead to infection?

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus primarily survives within living cells, so if there are cells present in a blood collection tube, it can survive there. As for infection caused by splatter, there have been almost no clinical cases reported, and the chances are very low. Thank you for your qu...

Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus

Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...

Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance

Kidney function tests Hello Doctor: In the past few months, I have been experiencing discomfort, including chest tightness and pain, occasional shortness of breath, and unexplained nausea, although I haven't actually vomited. My daily routine has not changed, and there has b...

Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, "person with questions." 1. In recent months, I have been experiencing discomfort, including chest tightness and pain, occasional shortness of breath, and unexplained nausea. 2. I have noted episodes of tachycardia and mild arrhythmia. 3. My cortisol level is...

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